Hospice Foundation hires executive director

Provided by Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks

Anjanette LaBellarte-Gilbert is the nonprofit's new leader.

The nonprofit Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks has a new leader in place.

Anjanette LaBellarte-Gilbert started this month as executive director, according to a news release. She brings with her experience as director of business development at Jenkins Executive Center, senior development officer at the Mercy Health Foundation and director of development over major gifts at Drury University.

“I am excited to help lead the priorities of Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks such as establishing high-impact, mission-driven partnerships, delivering educational programs on end-of-life topics and fundraising that ensures Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks’ sustainability," LaBellarte-Gilbert said in the release.

The Hospice Foundation provides community education and grants to organizations involved in end-of-life services and support. Since 1997, the organization has given more than $1.5 million in grants to programs that focus on hospice, palliative care, advance care planning, grief and bereavement services.

LaBellarte-Gilbert is the third executive director in the Hospice Foundation's 25-year history. LaBellarte-Gilbert said via email that previous Executive Director Kim Morelock exited Jan. 14 as she's moving out of state.

With one full-time executive director and one part-time employee, the Hospice Foundation has a $250,000 operating budget, LaBellarte-Gilbert said.